You have no idea... I have been thinking "what's going on..." for a while now! This hits deeply for me, Daphne. Today marks the anniversary of my brother's birthday, one year after he left at 59 years old. He never got screened for colon cancer and that rapidly attached to his liver. It was a tough ending that lasted 3 months too long. I miss him AND your timely article hits home for me since I follow evidence-based health guidance for myself and have been for years. I worry too much about health, having seen him suffer and my dad as well. I appreciate this and no, it shouldn't be all on us. This is America for now. Thank you. p.s. my mom wanted to keep that wallpaper on her house's walls until the very end! :)
Juliette, I'm so sorry about your brother. Cancer is a unique trauma. After I started working in a cancer center, I've thought more about people and families affected by cancer. I don't think anyone can really know (myself included) what it's like if you haven't gone through the experience yourself or with a close loved one.
My dad and brother had heart attacks. When I'm feeling anxious, I sometimes almost feel like my heart hurts. Family history is always important to share with your clinician and get anything checked out. But I also remind myself family history isn't destiny. The sister of my grandpa Mike (pictured in this post) passed away just last week at 106. She lived in her own house until just recently. But her mom (my great grandma) died from breast cancer at 52.
Thank you for mentioning screening. Closing colon cancer screening gaps can save lives. Getting signs or symptoms checked out early can, too. My brother didn't get preventative care. But I remember after he died, a few people said, "Why didn't he do this (or that)?" Besides not being their business, it really bothered me because it felt like blaming. That doesn't help anyone. I'd rather focus on making it easier for people to get care and information.
So funny about the wallpaper. I'm enjoying your Substack! I often need an art breathing break from medical stuff.
Daphne- So sorry to hear about your brother. I was equally caught unaware when I saw the news on Doherty. I really appreciate your openness when you mentioned: “The same latchkey-kid feeling is back. I feel pushed into the next phase of life too soon. Ready or not, it’s Gen X’s turn to start getting old and even die. My brother Patrick dying at 52 was a wake-up call for me.” This felt real, honest, and wrenching. I appreciate it. 🙏
You have no idea... I have been thinking "what's going on..." for a while now! This hits deeply for me, Daphne. Today marks the anniversary of my brother's birthday, one year after he left at 59 years old. He never got screened for colon cancer and that rapidly attached to his liver. It was a tough ending that lasted 3 months too long. I miss him AND your timely article hits home for me since I follow evidence-based health guidance for myself and have been for years. I worry too much about health, having seen him suffer and my dad as well. I appreciate this and no, it shouldn't be all on us. This is America for now. Thank you. p.s. my mom wanted to keep that wallpaper on her house's walls until the very end! :)
Juliette, I'm so sorry about your brother. Cancer is a unique trauma. After I started working in a cancer center, I've thought more about people and families affected by cancer. I don't think anyone can really know (myself included) what it's like if you haven't gone through the experience yourself or with a close loved one.
My dad and brother had heart attacks. When I'm feeling anxious, I sometimes almost feel like my heart hurts. Family history is always important to share with your clinician and get anything checked out. But I also remind myself family history isn't destiny. The sister of my grandpa Mike (pictured in this post) passed away just last week at 106. She lived in her own house until just recently. But her mom (my great grandma) died from breast cancer at 52.
Thank you for mentioning screening. Closing colon cancer screening gaps can save lives. Getting signs or symptoms checked out early can, too. My brother didn't get preventative care. But I remember after he died, a few people said, "Why didn't he do this (or that)?" Besides not being their business, it really bothered me because it felt like blaming. That doesn't help anyone. I'd rather focus on making it easier for people to get care and information.
So funny about the wallpaper. I'm enjoying your Substack! I often need an art breathing break from medical stuff.
There's so much here in this newsletter, Daphne. Thank you. You also got me thinking about orangey-brown wallpaper. I think you're onto something!
Daphne- So sorry to hear about your brother. I was equally caught unaware when I saw the news on Doherty. I really appreciate your openness when you mentioned: “The same latchkey-kid feeling is back. I feel pushed into the next phase of life too soon. Ready or not, it’s Gen X’s turn to start getting old and even die. My brother Patrick dying at 52 was a wake-up call for me.” This felt real, honest, and wrenching. I appreciate it. 🙏